The side lane opens into a small courtyard washed in herb scent and warm light. Bundles of lavender and sage hang from lines, and bees drift lazily over neat beds of green.
Slaan slows beside the planters, letting the quiet settle around her. Nhal’s glow steadies, less flicker and more firefly calm.
Elara
You can breathe here, if you like. The bees mind their own work, and so do I.
Nhal
It is softer here. The air does not press so hard.
Elara brushes pale fingers over a sprig of sage, then gestures to a low stone bench tucked beneath drying garlands. Her smile is small, tired, and kind.
Elara
Phandelver has loud corners, but this one keeps its peace. You both look like you could use a little of it.
Nhal lingers near the lavender, their posture easing as the scent gathers around them. Slaan has a quiet seat, a patient herbalist, and no immediate reason to hurry.
✓ Quest Accepted
Learn what Elara knows about Phandelver's peaceful corners
“I watch the bees and ask Elara if there are other hidden spots like this.”
SUCCESS (Fair Perception, rolled -2)
Slaan lets her gaze drift past the herbs to the bees, following their lazy loops through the warm air. Elara notices the look and smiles, then tilts her head toward the far wall, where a narrow arch is half-hidden behind hanging sage.
Elara
There are a few places like this. Not many, and not all of them are mine to show. But the quiet ones often wear ordinary faces.
She points with the sage stem, then lowers her hand, careful and exact. Nhal leans in, visibly steadier, as if the answer itself puts weight under them.
Elara
If you want peace, look for gardens, shrines, and old courtyards that seem forgotten. The town keeps its softer places tucked away.
Slaan
And the ones you would actually trust?
Elara
This one. The shrine by the stream, if the lamps are lit. And the little yard behind the cooper's shop, though the cat there judges everyone.
As Elara speaks, a bee lands on the rim of Slaan’s sleeve, then lifts off again, dusting the fabric with gold pollen. The small sting of a prick brushes her wrist as she shifts, mild but real, and Nhal gives a quiet, relieved sound at the sight of her not flinching.
Quest Complete
Learn what Elara knows about Phandelver's peaceful corners
“"Nhal, where do you want to go to next?" I ask.”
SUCCESS (Superb Persuasion, rolled +0)
Slaan
Nhal, where would you like to go next?
The question settles softly between the herb beds, and Nhal turns it over as if it is something fragile and useful.
Nhal
A shrine, maybe. Somewhere quiet enough to listen without being watched.
Nhal
I think I would like to see the shrine by the stream first. If the lamps are lit, it sounds like a place that remembers how to be calm.
Elara’s expression warms at that, and she lowers the sage stem, content to let the choice be Nhal’s alone.
Elara
Then take the lane past the bakery, keep left at the herb press, and follow the water sound. If it feels crowded, pause. The shrine does not punish hesitation.
Nhal’s shoulders ease another fraction, and they glance toward Slaan with a steadier look, as though the town has finally become navigable.
“" gotcha" I wave and we follow elara's directions”
SUCCESS (Great Agility, rolled +1)